Alright: Let's Start from the Top

Whenever you look at a troubled organization, be it a charity, government, or sports team, it is always wise to start by looking at the top people in the organization.

In this case, James L. Dolan.

Dolan is no stranger to doling out money, however. In 2001, Allan Houston was signed to a $100,000,000 contract for six years. After four years, Houston retired and the Knicks payed out the remaining $40,000,000 for a player who wasn't even on the team (Bobby Bonilla, anyone?) He surrounds himself with horrible front office staff, has hired some pretty bad coaches while firing good ones, and has brought the Knicks shame for seasons.

Dolan, who also claimed the Knicks would match any offer Jeremy Lin received, has now opted instead to let him walk as a free agent. All while he wasted $40 million dollars on a retired Allan Houston.

For years I defended Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., and it seems to be paying off, as the Bills look poised for a fantastic season. I've sided with Hal and Hank Steinbrenner, John Mara and Steve Tisch (as well as Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch if you want to go back that far). I've never had a complaint about Woody Johnson, and God knows I loved George Steinbrenner, whom I view as a model owner who should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. But I have been longing for a change in the Knicks' ownership for years now. It needs to happen, it has to happen.

We struck out on Fred Wilpon and now must watch as Carlos Beltran continues an All-Star season. We must look at the Mets decrepit bullpen and know that K-Rod, Jason Isringhausen, and JJ Putz are out there having great years.

The bottom line is, the New York Knicks are an embarrassment to the NBA, and James Dolan is mostly to blame. It is high time this team got a new, better owner who knows about the game of basketball and who will help this team win. And when the Knicks get that owner, they will finally be back.

Back in the New York Groove!

Knicks Free Agency

The Knicks announced that Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak have been awarded Bird/Early Bird Rights. This means that they will not contribute to the Knicks' salary cap this season. This is fantastic, as the Knicks can now spend that extra money elsewhere to improve the team. Lin, Novak, and Landry Fields are expected to be retained at a collective price of $15 million, or $5,000,000 each.

Still In the New York Groove!

The New York Knicks have announced that they have signed Head Coach Mike Woodson to a 2-year contract extension with an option for a third year. According to ESPN's Steven A. Smith, it is worth around $4,000,000 per year ($12,000,000 in all). The Knicks went 18-6 under Woodson in 2012, and FINALLY ended their 13-game postseason losing streak, (they had last won a playoff game in 2001!) This move seems like the beginning of a new era in New York basketball. Woodson is very popular with Jeremy Lin, Carmelo, and Amare Stoudemire. Now that their coach is cared for, they must focus on free agents. Jeremy Lin-MUST return, and will, for he is a restricted free agent. Jared Jeffries-Would love to see him return. Could easily be used as a part-time player who is a defensive replacement late in games. Landry Fields-Solid player but not quite what he was before. Although he started every game, he could easily be replaced. Mike Bibby-Played in just 39 games as a bench player. Posted decent numbers as a bench player but I do not see the 34-year-old returning. Baron Davis-Tore his ACL last season and at age 33 despite a solid 12-year career. I think retirement is his best possibility. Regardless what he chooses, he will not be in New York next year. Steve Novak-Still a young man who puts up great numbers. He will return next season after setting career-highs in points, rebounds, and three-pointers. J.R. Smith-Opt out clause may be triggered. If so, his tenure in New York is over, much to my chargin.

Fixing the Knicks

It's always the same, it's just a shame, that's all.

Once again, the New York Knicks are teetering on the edge of another losing season. They are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

Now, I am going to examine their current roster.

The Knicks are in need of a better Center. Tyson Chandler has just not gotten it done in New York, and it shows. From here on out, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan should be playing to see which one of them can claim the starting job for next season.

Carmelo Anthony seems to have worn out his welcome in New York. Anthony still has time left on his contract, which means he will have to be traded for the Knicks to be free of him. Jared Jefferies' contract is set to expire after this season and it is clausable that he too will be gone, however, it is not a given as he has been solid in his Knicks tenure.

Rookie guards Iman Shumpert and Jeremy Lin are safe, esspecially with the play of the Knicks when "Linsanity" was in full effect.

The Knicks need an overhaul, and that will spell trouble for some older players, as they are looking towards the future.

Not in the New York Groove!

Breaking news! New York Knicks' head coach Mike D'Antony has RESIGNED, liklely amid the threat of losing his job. There had been speculation that he and Carmelo Anthony didn't get along, but the recent play of the Knicks is the most likely reason for his resignation.

The Knicks are 18-24 thusfar in 2011-2012.

D'Antoni was a coach who always prided himself on offense. While the Knicks' offense certainly has the potential to be an electrifying one with Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Jeremy Lin, it never took shape. They have not won a game in March so far, and I believe that one reason for the team's overall failure was that it lacked a coach with a significant amount of defensive expertise.

Lin-Sane In The Membrane!

The New York Knicks have been saved by Point Guard Jeremy Lin. With the Knicks falling to the point of no return, "Linsanity" seems to have saved their season. At 14-15 (hopefully going to .500 tonight), they are 8th in the Eastern Conference, but sailing along now with "Linsanity" in full swing. If Jeremy Lin, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudomire can work in a system and if the Knicks' defense can step up even slightly, this NBA season will bring about the beginning of a new era, a renaissance in New York Basketball.

Mike D'Antoni

In 2008, the Knicks hired Mike D'Antoni to replace Isiah Thomas as head coach. In each season, the Knicks have won 40-50 games consistently, but cannot seem to get on a good playoff run. The Knicks have the potential to be a great team with Carmelo Anthony, Iman Shumpert, and Amare Stoudemire, and are certainly in a winnable division. While this lockout-shortened season isn't the best one to use as an example, D'Antoni hasn't been a fan-favorite during his tenure and this collapse seems like it may put the nail in the coffin for him.

NBA Game 1!

At long last, the first Knicks game of 2011. After the lockout, the free agent frenzy, and the preseason, the games have begun.

Melo scored 32 points, Tyson Chandler made a few free throws to put the game at 102-101 with under 3:00 remaining. Kevin Garnett was hit with a penalty, missed a free throw, and committed a number of fouls.

With 2:11 left, the game was tied at 102 with an offensive rebound, and the Knicks had a real chance at beating the Celtics. Melo made a jump shot, 104-102! Marquis Daniels made a layup, tied at 104. With 59 seconds left, D'Antoni called a timeout. Carmelo made 2 free throws to put it at 106-104 with 16 seconds to go! Carmelo Anthony is certainly going to be player of the game if the Knicks win!

Marquis Daniels missed a 3-pointer with 4.4 seconds remaining! Paul Pierce is well missed!

Boston and New York used timeouts, and Daniels was pulled for Keyon Dooling. On their last legs, the Celtics called on Kevin Garnett to make a 14 foot jumper. He set, and...

...he missed. Just like that, the Knicks defeated the Celtics 106-104 on Christmas Day.

ATTENTION!!!!!

The 2011-2012 New York Knicks' season will begin on Christmas Day (12/25). Anyone interested write game reviews should contact me at:

rkordziel@yahoo.com

Please make the subject 'Knicks' or 'Basketball' to prevent the e-mail from being deleted, as quite often these are sent to my spam folder.

Requirements
*All game reviews must be received by the date after the game or before the next game.
*Profanity-laced articles are not encouraged BUT not prohibited.
*Any images used that are taken from the Internet must be attributed unless in public domain.

Games start on Dec. 25! It's time to get back...

...in the New York Groove!